Investigators seek cause of Bedford fire that displaces seven

From the Bedford Fire Department: Units responded to 511 South Street for multiple reports of an explosion and a house on fire. The first engine arrived at 12:29 a.m. to find heavy fire showing from a two-story wood frame private dwelling. Two occupants were reported missing initially. After a primary and secondary search proved negative they were located at a nearby house. Seven occupants in all were displaced; six adults and one child. A representative from the Red Cross responded and assisted those occupants with housing and other immediate needs. It took twenty minutes to bring the fire under control. Twenty-eight firefighters from the Town of Bedford, Moneta, and Forest operated. No injuries were reported. The fire is thought to be accidental but is being investigated by the Bedford County Fire Marshall’s Office.